JP7456098B2 - Information processing device and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device and a program.

There are cases where you want to print document data stored on a portable terminal using a nearby printing device. Currently, NFC (Near Field Communication) is sometimes used as a mechanism for connecting a portable terminal to a printing device. NFC allows communication by bringing devices close together, but is not suitable for transmitting document data. For this reason, NFC is used to transmit the IP (=Internet Protocol) address of a printing device to a portable terminal. The portable terminal that has acquired the IP address sends document data and print settings to the printing device using Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or the like.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-149666

With increasing interest in security, some customers do not wish to install NFC in their image processing devices, or some customers disable the NFC function provided therein.
Furthermore, even if you are able to connect a portable terminal to an image processing device by manually entering the IP address, whether or not you have the authority to use the functions provided by the image processing device is not determined at the time you use the relevant functions. I don't know. Therefore, after performing some operations, the user may realize that he does not have the authority to use the corresponding function. In this case, the work performed by the user before noticing is wasted.

When devices whose addresses on the network are unknown are connected without using NFC, the present invention detects whether or not the devices are authorized to use functions provided by the connected devices at the time the devices are connected. The purpose is to notify the user who operates the connected device.

The invention according to claim 1 is capable of determining, from a two-dimensional symbol, the network address of a terminal to be communicated with and information used for managing the authority to use a specific function among the functions provided by the own device. It has a reading means for reading information, and a transmission means for transmitting information for displaying a screen according to the authority to the terminal to which an address on the network is assigned, and is used for managing the authority to use a specific function. The information used is an information processing device, which is information that physically uniquely identifies the terminal .
In the invention according to claim 2, when the terminal to be a communication destination or the user operating the terminal does not have the authority to use the function, the transmitting means transmits information for displaying a screen indicating that the terminal does not have the authority. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus transmits the information.
In the invention according to claim 3, when the terminal as a communication destination or the user operating the terminal has the authority to use a function, the transmitting means displays a screen for using the function for which the terminal has authority. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device transmits information for.
The invention according to claim 4 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the information used for authority management is information that physically specifies the terminal.
The invention according to claim 5 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the information used for authority management is information specifying a user who operates the terminal.
In the invention according to claim 6, when a user operating the terminal as a communication destination has authority to use a function, the transmitting means transmits information set by the user for the function. , an information processing apparatus according to claim 3.
The invention set forth in claim 7 is such that the functions provided by the own device are a function of forming an image on paper and a function of reading a document, and the specific function is a function of forming an image on paper. The information processing device described in .
The invention according to claim 8 allows a computer to manage, from a two-dimensional symbol, the network address of a terminal to be communicated with and the authority to use a specific function among the functions provided by the computer itself. This is a program that executes a function that causes the terminal to read the information to be used, and a function that causes the terminal to which an address on the network is assigned to transmit information to display a screen according to the authority, and has a specific function. The information used to manage the authority to use the terminal is a program that is information that physically uniquely identifies the terminal .
According to the ninth aspect of the invention, when a computer installed in a portable terminal receives an instruction to generate a two-dimensional symbol used for connection with an image forming apparatus that is a communication partner, the computer installed in the portable terminal Generates a two-dimensional symbol that includes the above address and information predetermined as information used to manage the authority to use a specific function among the functions provided by the image forming apparatus that is the communication partner. This is a program that executes a function to display a generated two-dimensional symbol on the display means of its own terminal, and the information used to manage the authority to use a specific function is used to physically This is information that uniquely identifies a program .

According to the invention described in claim 1, when devices whose addresses on the network are unknown are connected without using NFC, whether or not the device has the authority to use the function provided by the connected device is checked. When the devices are connected, the user operating the device on the connecting side can be notified.
According to the second aspect of the invention, it is possible to notify the user that he/she does not have the authority to use the function before the operation becomes useless.
According to the third aspect of the invention, it is possible to perform an operation in a state where it is known that the user has the authority to use the function.
According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the presence or absence of authority can be managed on a terminal-by-terminal basis.
According to the invention set forth in claim 5, even when one terminal is shared by multiple people, the presence or absence of authority can be managed for each user.
According to the invention described in claim 6, the number of operations when using the function can be reduced.
According to the invention set forth in claim 7, it is possible to select the function to be used.
According to the invention described in claim 8 , when devices whose addresses on the network are unknown are connected without using NFC, whether or not the device has the authority to use the function provided by the connected device is checked. When the devices are connected, the user operating the device on the connecting side can be notified.
According to the invention described in claim 9 , when devices whose addresses on the network are unknown are connected without using NFC, whether or not the device has the authority to use the function provided by the connected device is checked. When the devices are connected, the user operating the device on the connecting side can be notified.

1 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the overall configuration of a printing system used in Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus used in Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a print function permission list. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions prepared for cooperation with a smartphone among functions included in the image forming apparatus used in the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a smartphone used in Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a function of a smartphone that is used when connecting the smartphone to an image forming apparatus without using NFC communication. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing operation in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation of reading a QR code for connection with an image forming apparatus. (A) is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a smartphone upon activation of a connection application, and (B) is a diagram illustrating an operation when reading a QR code with an image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a smartphone that does not have permission to use the print function of the image forming apparatus when communication is established. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a smartphone when communication is established when the user has authority to use the print function. (A) is a diagram showing an example of a print data selection screen, and (B) is a diagram showing an example of a print setting screen. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus used in a second embodiment. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print function permission list. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions provided for cooperation with a smartphone among functions included in the image forming apparatus used in Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a function that is used when connecting the smartphone to an image forming apparatus without using NFC communication among the functions that the smartphone used in Embodiment 2 has. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing operation in Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a smartphone when the user has authority to use a print function. (A) is a diagram showing an example of a print data selection screen, and (B) is a diagram showing an example of a screen showing default values of print settings stored for the user. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen used to select the authority to be used.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<First embodiment>
<Overall configuration of printing system 1>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a printing system 1 used in the first embodiment.
The printing system 1 shown in Fig. 1 is configured with an image forming device 20, an access point 30, and a smartphone 40, all of which are connected to a local area network 10. In the case of Fig. 1, there is one image forming device 20, one access point 30, and one smartphone 40, but there may be multiple of each. The image forming device 20 is an example of an information processing device.

In the case of FIG. 1, the local area network 10 is a wired LAN (Local Area Network). Therefore, the local area network 10 and the image forming apparatus 20, and the local area network 10 and the access point 30 are all connected by a LAN cable. Note that the access point 30 and smartphone 40 are connected via wireless LAN. In this embodiment, Wi-Fi is used for the wireless LAN.
Each of the image forming apparatus 20, access point 30, and smartphone 40 that constitute the printing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is assigned an IP address indicating a position on the LAN. An IP address is an example of an address on a network.

In addition to the function of forming an image on paper, the image forming apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 1 also has a function of reading an image of a document or the like and a function of controlling facsimile communication. Note that the listed functions are merely examples, and other functions may be provided.
The image forming apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment is not provided with a device for NFC communication, or the function setting of the device for NFC communication is disabled. Therefore, image forming apparatus 20 in this embodiment cannot receive the IP address of smartphone 40 through NFC communication.

The access point 30 is a base station that accommodates wireless terminals such as a smartphone 40 and relays communications with the local area network 10 .
The smartphone 40 is a portable computer that can be carried by a user. The smartphone 40 in the present embodiment is used as a computer that transmits print data and print setting information to the image forming apparatus 20.
In the present embodiment, the smartphone 40 is used as an example of a portable computer, but a tablet terminal or a wearable terminal may also be used.

<Configuration of image forming apparatus 20>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the image forming apparatus 20 used in the first embodiment.
The image forming apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 2 includes a system control unit 201 that controls the operation of the entire system, an image reading unit 202 that reads an image of a document, etc., and a system that forms an image on the surface of paper, which is an example of a recording medium. An image forming unit 203, an image processing unit 204 that performs processing such as color correction and gradation correction on the image represented by image data, a storage unit 205 that stores image data, etc., and a storage unit 205 that accepts user operations and displays information. It has an operation and display section 206 to be used, a facsimile control section 207 that controls facsimile communication, a network control section 208 that controls network communication, and a bus 209 and signal lines (not shown) that connect these.

The system control unit 201 includes a CPU (=Central Processing Unit), a ROM (=Read Only Memory) in which firmware, BIOS (=Basic Input Output System), etc. are stored, and a RAM (=Random Access Memory) used as a work area. ) etc. The system control unit 201 is a so-called computer, and provides various functions through the execution of programs.

The image reading unit 202 is a device used to read a document used for copying a document or sending a facsimile, and is also called a scanner. The image reading unit 202 in this embodiment is also equipped with a mechanism that transports documents one by one to a reading position. Hereinafter, the function of reading a document using the image reading unit 202 will be referred to as a scan function.
The image forming unit 203 is a device that forms an image on the surface of paper using an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, or the like. Paper is an example of a recording medium. The image forming unit 203 is also equipped with a mechanism for conveying sheets one by one. Hereinafter, the function of forming an image on paper will be referred to as a print function.
The image processing unit 204 includes a dedicated processor, a processing circuit, and the like for processing image data into data suitable for printing and the like.

The storage unit 205 is a rewritable nonvolatile storage device, such as a hard disk device. The storage unit 205 stores image data corresponding to the image of the document read by the image reading unit 202, image data provided from the outside via communication, image data transmitted or received via facsimile communication, and the like. The storage unit 205 also stores an IP address indicating the location of the device on the local area network 10.
In addition, the storage unit 205 in this embodiment includes a print function permission list 205A that records the MAC addresses of the smartphones 40 (see FIG. 1) that have the authority to use the print functions provided by the device itself, and a list of print function permissions. A print setting file 205B that stores information regarding settings is also stored. In the case of this embodiment, the MAC address is an example of information used for authority management.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the printing function permission list 205A. The printing function permission list 205A shown in FIG. 3 is composed of a management ID 211 and a MAC address 212. The MAC address 212 is a physical address that uniquely identifies the hardware of the smartphone 40 (see FIG. 1). In the case of FIG. 3, three smartphones 40 are registered in the print function permission list 205A. For example, in number #1, "AA-BB-CC-DD-EE-FF" is registered as a MAC address that physically identifies the smartphone 40 that has the authority to use the print function.
Note that the print setting file 205B includes settings regarding, for example, the size of paper used for printing images, color mode, double-sided printing mode, layout, and the like.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 2.
The operation and display unit 206 includes switches and buttons arranged on an operation panel, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display used to display information, a touch sensor that detects an operator's operation on a display screen, etc. configured.
The facsimile control unit 207 is a device that controls facsimile communications performed via the telephone network. Hereinafter, the function of transmitting or receiving a facsimile document through the facsimile control unit 207 will be referred to as a facsimile function.
The network control unit 208 is a device that controls communication via the local area network 10.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions provided for cooperation with the smartphone 40 (see FIG. 1) among the functions of the image forming apparatus 20 used in the first embodiment.
The functions shown in FIG. 4 are realized through the execution of programs by the system control unit 201. Below, functions realized through program execution will be explained in order.
The scan reception unit 221 is a functional unit that accepts a process of optically reading information on the surface of an object to be read. In other words, the scan reception unit 221 is a functional unit that detects the operation of a so-called scan button. When the scan receiving unit 221 detects the operation of the scan button, information on the surface of the object placed on the transparent glass surface forming the image reading unit 202 (see FIG. 2) is optically read. In the case of this embodiment, the display surface of the smartphone 40 (see FIG. 1) is assumed to be the surface of the object to be read. In the case of this embodiment, the QR code (registered trademark) for connection generated by the smartphone 40 is to be read. A QR code is an example of a two-dimensional symbol.

The QR code decoding unit 222 is a functional unit that executes a process of decoding the QR code read by the image reading unit 202 (see FIG. 2). In the case of this embodiment, the QR code displayed on smartphone 40 includes the IP address of smartphone 40 and a MAC address that physically uniquely identifies smartphone 40. Therefore, the decoded output of the QR code decoder 222 includes the IP address and the MAC address. In the case of this embodiment, the IP address is given to the determination result notifying section 224, and the MAC address is given to the authority determining section 223. The QR code decoding unit 222 here is an example of a reading unit that reads information from a two-dimensional symbol.

Based on the decrypted MAC address, the authority determination unit 223 determines whether or not the smartphone 40 on which the QR code to be read is displayed is assigned the authority to use its own printing function. This is a functional unit that makes decisions.
In this embodiment, the authority determination unit 223 determines whether the read MAC address is registered in the print function permission list 205A (see FIG. 2).
If the read MAC address is found in the printing function permission list 205A, the authority determining unit 223 outputs a determination result indicating that the user is authorized to use the printing function. On the other hand, if the read MAC address is not found in the print function permission list 205A, the authority determination unit 223 outputs a determination result indicating that the user does not have the authority to use the print function.

The determination result notification unit 224 is a functional unit that notifies the smartphone 40 (see FIG. 1) of the determination result given by the authority determination unit 223 via the local area network 10. Note that the IP address read from the QR code is used as the destination.
If the smartphone 40 serving as the communication partner has the authority to use the printing function provided by the smartphone itself, the determination result notification unit 224 includes this fact in the content of the notification. When the smartphone 40 receives the notification that it has the authority to use the print function, a screen for using the print function is displayed. In this sense, the notification including the fact that the user has authority is an example of information for displaying a screen for using the print function.

On the other hand, if the smartphone 40 serving as the communication partner does not have the authority to use the printing function provided by the smartphone itself, the determination result notification unit 224 includes a notification to that effect in the content of the notification. When the smartphone 40 receives the notification that it does not have the authority to use the print function, a screen indicating that the smartphone 40 does not have the authority to use the print function is displayed. In this sense, a notification indicating that the user does not have the authority is an example of information for displaying a screen indicating that the user does not have the authority to use the print function.
The determination result notification unit 224 here is an example of a transmitting unit that transmits information for displaying a screen according to the authority.

<Configuration of smartphone 40>
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the smartphone 40 used in the first embodiment.
The smartphone 40 shown in FIG. 5 has a system control unit 401 that controls the operation of the entire device, a memory card 402 that stores various data, and a Wi-Fi interface that is used to connect the access point 30 (see FIG. 1). 403, a 4G interface 404 used for connection to a mobile communication network such as a 4G network, a touch sensor 405 that detects operations such as taps, drags, and flicks, and a display device 406 that displays a display screen. It has a bus 407 and signal lines (not shown).

The system control unit 401 includes a CPU 411, a ROM 412 in which firmware, BIOS, etc. are stored, and a RAM 413 used as a work area. The ROM 412 may be a rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory.
The memory card 402 in this embodiment is, for example, a rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and is used to connect the device to the image forming apparatus 20 (see FIG. 1) in an environment where NFC communication cannot be used. An application program for generating a QR code is also stored.
The display device 406 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. A module in which a touch sensor 405 is arranged on the surface of a display device 406 is called a touch panel. The display device 406 is an example of a display means on which two-dimensional symbols are displayed.

Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions of the smartphone 40 that are used when the smartphone 40 is connected to the image forming apparatus 20 (see Fig. 1) without using NFC communication. The process illustrated in Fig. 6 is realized through execution of a program by the system control unit 401. The functions realized through the execution of the program will be described below in order.
The connection application start detection unit 421 is a functional unit that detects the start of an application program (hereinafter referred to as a "connection application") used to connect the own device to the image forming apparatus 20 (see FIG. 1). The connection application here is for generating a QR code used to transfer the IP address of the own device, etc. The connection application is started by accepting a tap operation on a corresponding icon, etc.

The IP address acquisition unit 422 is a functional unit that acquires the IP address of its own device from the memory card 402 (see FIG. 5) or the like.
The MAC address acquisition unit 423 is a functional unit that acquires the MAC address of its own device from the dedicated memory of the Wi-Fi interface 403 (see FIG. 5).
The QR code generation unit 424 is a functional unit that generates a QR code including the acquired IP address of the own device and the MAC address of the own device.
The QR code display control unit 425 is a functional unit that displays the generated QR code on the display device 406 (see FIG. 5).
The communication control unit 426 is a functional unit that controls communication via the local area network 10 (see FIG. 1) and the like. The communication control unit 426 in the present embodiment is used to receive a notification regarding the presence or absence of authority to use the printing function, which is sent by the image forming apparatus 20 (see FIG. 1) that has read the generated QR code.

<Processing operations related to communication settings between smartphone 40 and image forming apparatus 20>
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing operation in the first embodiment. Note that the symbol S shown in the figure means a step.
First, the user taps the icon of the connection application provided on the smartphone 40. When the smartphone 40 detects the tapping of the corresponding icon, it starts the connection application (step 1).
Next, the smartphone 40 acquires its own IP address and MAC address through the launched connection application (step 2).
Next, the smartphone 40 generates a QR code including the acquired IP address and MAC address (step 3).

After this, the smartphone 40 displays the generated QR code (step 4). When the QR code is displayed, the user places the side on which the QR code is displayed at the reading position of the image forming apparatus 20.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an operation of reading a QR code 431 for connection with the image forming apparatus 20. (A) is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the smartphone 40 upon activation of a connection application, and (B) is a diagram illustrating an operation when reading a QR code 431 with the image forming apparatus 20.
In the case of FIG. 8, the generated QR code 431 and a cancel button 432 used to erase the display are displayed on the display surface of the smartphone 40. As shown in FIG. 8, when reading the QR code 431, the display surface of the smartphone 40 is pressed against the reading glass surface 202A provided in the image reading section 202 so as to face it.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 7.
Next, the user operates the scan button on the image forming apparatus 20. Then, the image forming apparatus 20 reads the image including the QR code displayed on the display surface of the smartphone 40 (step 5).
Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 20 decodes the QR code included in the read image (step 6). By decoding, the IP address and MAC address of the smartphone 40 installed on the glass surface 202A (see FIG. 8) are decoded.
Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 20 uses the decrypted MAC address to determine whether or not the user is authorized to use the printing function (step 7).
Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 20 transmits information regarding the presence or absence of authority to use the printing function to the decrypted IP address (step 8).

The information here is notified to the smartphone 40 operated by the user via the local area network 10 (see FIG. 1).
When the smartphone 40 receives information regarding whether or not the user has the authority to use the print function (step 9), the smartphone 40 determines whether or not the user has the authority (step 10).
If there is no authority, a negative result is obtained in step 10, and if there is authority, a positive result is obtained in step 10.
If a negative result is obtained in step 10, the smartphone 40 displays an error screen on the display device (step 11).

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when communication is established on the smartphone 40 (see FIG. 1) that does not have the authority to use the print function of the image forming apparatus 20 (see FIG. 1). In other words, the screen shown in FIG. 9 is an example of an initial screen displayed immediately after communication is established.
In the case of FIG. 9, a message 433 indicating that the user is not authorized to use the print function and a cancel button 434 used to erase the display are displayed on the display surface of the smartphone 40. In the case of FIG. 9, an example of the message 433 is "You do not have authority to use the print function."

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 7.
On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 10, the smartphone 40 displays a print data selection screen (step 12). For example, a screen is displayed that accepts a list of data files and what to print.
When print data is selected, the smartphone 40 displays a print function setting screen (step 13).
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the smartphone 40 having the authority to use the print function of the image forming apparatus when communication is established. (A) is a diagram showing an example of a print data selection screen, and (B) is a diagram showing an example of a print setting screen. In other words, the screen shown in FIG. 10 is an example of an initial screen displayed immediately after communication is established.

On the print data selection screen shown in FIG. 10, a message 441 indicating the operation required of the user and a list 442 of data files to be selected are displayed. In the case of FIG. 10, there are three data files to be selected, and the "file001" checkbox is checked. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 10, "file001" is selected as the print target. In addition, the selection screen is provided with a button 443 for confirming the current selection state and moving to the print setting screen, and a button 444 for canceling the selection of print data.

The print settings screen shown in FIG. 10 displays a title field 451 and a list of setting items 452. In the case of the screen shown in FIG. 10, A4 is specified as the document size and color is specified as the color mode. Here, the size of the document is selectively specified from among a plurality of sizes displayed in a pull-down menu. In addition, it is possible to set double-sided printing and specify the layout. In the case of FIG. 10, "long edge binding" is specified as the duplex printing setting, and "2 in 1", in which two pages are printed on one sheet of paper, is specified as the layout. Note that it is also possible to specify "no" in the settings and layout for double-sided printing.
In addition, the selection screen also includes a button 453 for confirming print settings and a button 454 for canceling print settings.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 7.
When the button 453 is operated on the print settings screen to confirm the settings, the smartphone 40 sends the print data and setting information to the IP address of the image forming apparatus 20 included in the notification in step 9. (Step 14).
Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 20 starts printing the print data based on the received setting information (step 15).

As described above, in this embodiment, even in an environment where NFC communication cannot be used, the smartphone 40 and the image forming apparatus 20 can communicate with each other by a simple operation of reading a QR code displayed on the smartphone 40 with the image forming apparatus 20. become possible.
Further, if the user does not have the authority to use the printing function of the image forming apparatus 20, an error screen is displayed on the smartphone 40 at the same time as communication is established. In this case, the user does not need to perform any unnecessary operations without realizing that the printing function cannot be used. On the other hand, if the user has the authority to use the print function of the image forming apparatus 20, a screen for selecting print data or the like is displayed on the smartphone 40 at the same time as communication is established. In this case, the user can perform operations such as selecting print data while knowing that the print function can be used.

<Embodiment 2>
In the case of the first embodiment described above, the presence or absence of authority to use the print function is managed using a MAC address, but in this embodiment, a case will be described in which management is performed using a user ID.
Note that the hardware configurations of the image forming apparatus 20 and the smartphone 40 used in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

<Configuration of image forming apparatus 20>
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus 20 used in the second embodiment. In FIG. 11, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 2 are shown with corresponding symbols.
In the case of the image forming apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 11, the content of data stored in the storage unit 205 is different from that in the first embodiment.
In the case of this embodiment, the storage unit 205 includes a print function permission list 205C that records user IDs that have the authority to use the print function provided by the device itself, a default print setting list 205D, and a list related to print function settings. A print setting file 205E that stores information is also stored. In the case of this embodiment, the user ID is an example of information used for authority management.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the printing function permission list 205C. The print function permission list 205C shown in FIG. 12 is composed of a management ID 231 and a user ID 232. The user ID 232 is information that identifies a user managed by the image forming apparatus 20. For example, the user's account, employee number, and user's name are used as the information for identifying the user.
In the case of FIG. 12, three users are registered in the print function permission list 205C. For example, "AAAA1" is registered as the user ID for number #1.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 11.
The default print setting list 205D is the default value of print settings managed by the image forming apparatus 20 for each user. In the case of this embodiment, the default value stores the contents of the print settings set in advance by the user, the contents of the print settings used last time by the user, and the like. In this embodiment, the default print setting list 205D is stored in an encoded state so that the amount of data is reduced.
The print settings file 205E is the contents of the print settings that are decoded from the default print settings list 205D, or the contents of the print settings that have been modified by the user through the smartphone 40.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions provided for cooperation with the smartphone 40 (see FIG. 1) among the functions of the image forming apparatus 20 used in the second embodiment. In FIG. 13, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 4 are shown with corresponding symbols.
The functions shown in FIG. 13 are also realized through the execution of programs by the system control unit 201. Below, functions realized through program execution will be explained in order.
The scan reception unit 221 is a functional unit that accepts a process of optically reading information on the surface of an object to be read. The scan reception unit 221 is the same as in the first embodiment.

The QR code decoding unit 222A is a functional unit that executes a process of decoding the QR code read by the image reading unit 202 (see FIG. 11). In the case of this embodiment, the QR code displayed on smartphone 40 includes the IP address of smartphone 40 and a user ID that identifies the user operating smartphone 40. Therefore, the output of the QR code decoding section 222A includes the IP address and the user ID. In the case of this embodiment, the IP address is given to the determination result notifying section 224A, and the user ID is given to the authority determining section 223A and the default print setting list reading section 225. The QR code decoding section 222A here is an example of a reading means.

Based on the decrypted user ID, the authority determination unit 223A assigns the authority to use the printing function of the own device to the user operating the smartphone 40 on which the QR code that was to be read was displayed. This is a functional unit that determines whether or not the
In the case of this embodiment, the authority determining unit 223A determines whether the read user ID is registered in the printing function permission list 205C (see FIG. 12).
If the read user ID is found in the printing function permission list 205C, the authority determining unit 223A outputs a determination result indicating that the user has the authority to use the printing function. On the other hand, if the read user ID is not found in the print function permission list 205C, the authority determination unit 223A outputs a determination result indicating that the user does not have the authority to use the print function.

The default print setting list reading unit 225 is a functional unit that provides the list decoding unit 226 with the default print setting list 205D (see FIG. 11) associated with the user ID when the user is authorized to use the print function. On the other hand, if the user does not have the authority to use the print function, the default print setting list reading unit 225 does not read the default print setting list 205D corresponding to the user ID.
The list decoding unit 226 is a functional unit that decodes the given default print setting list 205D. The decoded default values of the print settings are given to the determination result notification unit 224A.

The determination result notification unit 224A is a functional unit that notifies information indicating the determination result by the authority determination unit 223A via the local area network 10, with the IP address read from the QR code as the destination.
If the user operating the communication destination smartphone 40 has the authority to use the print function provided by the device itself, the determination result notification unit 224A in this embodiment notifies the user of this fact and associates the information with the user. Include default values for print settings in the notification content.

On the other hand, if the user operating the communication destination smartphone 40 does not have the authority to use the printing function provided by the device itself, the determination result notification unit 224A includes a notification to that effect in the content of the notification. This notification does not include default values for print settings.
The determination result notification unit 224A here is also an example of a transmitting unit that transmits information for displaying a screen according to the authority.

<Configuration of smartphone 40>
The hardware configuration of smartphone 40 used in this embodiment is the same as that in Embodiment 1.
FIG. 14 illustrates an example of the functions of the smartphone 40 used in the second embodiment, which are used when connecting the smartphone to the image forming apparatus 20 (see FIG. 1) without using NFC communication. It is a diagram. In FIG. 14, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 6 are shown with corresponding symbols. The functions shown in FIG. 14 are also realized through execution of programs by the system control unit 401. Below, functions realized through program execution will be explained in order.

The smartphone 40 in this embodiment differs from embodiment 1 in that a user ID acquisition unit 423A is used instead of a MAC address acquisition unit 423 (see FIG. 6) and in that a QR code generation unit 424A is used instead of a QR code generation unit 424 (see FIG. 6).
The user ID acquisition unit 423A is a functional unit that acquires, for example, an account of a user operating the device as a user ID. The user ID acquisition unit 423A is a functional unit that acquires the user's account from the memory card 402 (see FIG. 5) or the like.
The QR code generating unit 424A is a functional unit that generates a QR code including the acquired IP address of the own device and the user ID.

<Processing operations related to communication settings between smartphone 40 and image forming apparatus 20>
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing operation in the second embodiment. Note that the symbol S shown in the figure means a step. In FIG. 15, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 7 are shown with corresponding symbols.
First, the user taps the icon of the connection application provided on the smartphone 40. When the smartphone 40 detects the tapping of the corresponding icon, it starts the connection application (step 1).

Next, the smartphone 40 acquires its own IP address and user ID through the activated connection application (step 21).
Subsequently, the smartphone 40 generates a QR code including the acquired IP address and user ID (step 22).
After this, the smartphone 40 displays the generated QR code (step 4). When the QR code is displayed, the user places the side on which the QR code is displayed at the reading position of the image forming apparatus 20.

Next, the user operates the scan button on the image forming apparatus 20. Then, the image forming apparatus 20 reads the image including the QR code displayed on the display surface of the smartphone 40 (step 5).
Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 20 decodes the QR code included in the read image (step 6). By decoding, the IP address and user ID of the smartphone 40 whose display surface is read by the image reading unit 202 (see FIG. 2) are decoded.
Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 20 uses the decrypted user ID to determine whether or not the user is authorized to use the printing function (step 23).

If the user ID is authorized, the image forming apparatus 20 decrypts the default print settings corresponding to the decrypted user ID (step 24). If there is no authority, step 24 is skipped.
Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 20 transmits information regarding the presence or absence of authority to use the print function to the decrypted IP address (step 25). Note that, if the user has the authority to use the print function, the image forming apparatus 20 also sends the default print settings corresponding to the user ID.
The information here is notified to the smartphone 40 operated by the user via the local area network 10 (see FIG. 1).

When the smartphone 40 receives information regarding whether or not the user has the authority to use the print function (step 9), the smartphone 40 determines whether or not the user has the authority (step 10).
If there is no authority, a negative result is obtained in step 10, and if there is authority, a positive result is obtained in step 10.
If a negative result is obtained in step 10, the smartphone 40 displays an error screen on the display device (step 11).
On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 10, the smartphone 40 displays a print data selection screen (step 12). For example, a screen is displayed that accepts the selection of a data file to be printed from among the data files displayed in a list.
When print data is selected, the smartphone 40 displays default print settings (step 26).

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the smartphone 40 (see FIG. 1) when the user has the authority to use the print function. (A) is a diagram showing an example of a print data selection screen, and (B) is a diagram showing an example of a screen showing default values of print settings stored for the user.
The contents of the print data selection screen shown in FIG. 16 are the same as in the first embodiment.
When the button 443 is operated on the print data selection screen, the display on the smartphone 40 switches to a default print settings screen.
In the case of the default print setting display screen shown in FIG. 16, a title column 461 and a list of setting items 462 are displayed. In the case of FIG. 16, the color mode is black and white. A default print setting screen is displayed for user confirmation. Therefore, if there are no changes to the displayed settings, the user operates the button 463. However, if some settings on the default print settings screen are changed, it is also possible to change the contents of specific items. Note that in order to return to the screen for selecting print data, button 464 is operated.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 15.
When the button 463 is operated on the default print settings screen to confirm the settings, the smartphone 40 prints using the IP address of the image forming apparatus 20 that was included in the notification regarding the permission to use the print function. Send the data (step 27).
In the present embodiment, the default values of the print settings are stored in the image forming apparatus 20, so if there are no changes to the print settings, the smartphone 40 transmits only the print data to the image forming apparatus 20. However, if the user operates the button 463 after changing some of the default print settings, the smartphone 40 transmits the print data and setting information to the image forming apparatus 20, as in the first embodiment.

The image forming apparatus 20 that has received the print data starts printing the print data based on the default print settings stored in the storage unit 205 (see FIG. 11) (step 28).
Note that if the default print settings have been modified in the smartphone 40, the image forming apparatus 20 starts printing the print data based on the received setting information.
In this way, even in an environment in which NFC communication cannot be used, the smartphone 40 and the image forming apparatus 20 can become communicable by a simple operation of reading the QR code displayed on the smartphone 40 with the image forming apparatus 20.
In this case as well, if the user operating the smartphone 40 connected to the image forming apparatus 20 does not have the authority to use the print function, an error screen is displayed before printing settings. Therefore, the user's operations are not wasted. Furthermore, in this embodiment, even when a single smartphone is used by multiple people, it is possible to manage usage authority on a user-by-user basis.

<Other embodiments>
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the range described in the embodiments described above. It is clear from the claims that various changes or improvements made to the embodiments described above are also included within the technical scope of the present invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the printing function of the image forming apparatus 20 (see FIG. 1) is used through the smartphone 40 (see FIG. 1), but the function to be used is not limited to the printing function. For example, even when it is desired to use a scan function or a facsimile function, the technology of the embodiments described above can be utilized. For example, before the QR code is generated, a screen for selecting a function to be used may be displayed, and a notification as to whether or not the user has authority for the function selected on the screen may be received.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen used to select the authority to be used. The screen shown in FIG. 17 includes a message 471 indicating the content of the operation requested of the user, a list 472 of the functions desired to be used, a button 473 for confirming the selection of the function, and a button for canceling the selection of the function. 474 is included.

For example, if you have the authority to use the facsimile function, after connecting to the image forming apparatus 20, a screen is displayed for selecting whether to use the facsimile document transmission service or the received facsimile document viewing service. be done.
When the transmission service is selected, a screen for selecting the document data to be transmitted is displayed, and then a screen for setting the destination name, destination number, etc. is displayed. On the other hand, when the viewing service is selected, a screen for specifying a facsimile document to be viewed is displayed.
Further, if the user is authorized to use the scan function, a screen for setting the scan resolution, color mode, file format used for saving, save destination, etc. is displayed after connection with the image forming apparatus 20.

In the above-described embodiment, a local area network 10 is used to connect the image forming device 20 (see FIG. 1) and the smartphone 40 (see FIG. 1), but Wi-Fi Direct may also be used. Note that it is assumed that the image forming device 20 is provided with a function as a Wi-Fi Direct access point. A connection via Wi-Fi Direct allows a direct connection between the smartphone 40 and the image forming device 20, which can increase the security of communication.

In the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus 20 is exemplified as the device to which the smartphone 40 is connected, but the device to be connected may be any network device having the image reading unit 202 (see FIG. 2). For example, a scanner specialized for image reading functions may be used. Note that the image reading unit 202 may be externally attached to the network device for exchanging IP addresses.
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the smartphone 40 (see FIG. 1) was exemplified as an example of a portable electronic device connected to use the functions of the image forming apparatus 20, but two-dimensional The smartphone 40 is not limited to the smartphone 40 as long as it has a function of generating symbols and a function of displaying the generated two-dimensional symbols. However, the display device used to display the generated two-dimensional symbol may be a display device provided in another device that is externally attached or wirelessly connected.

1...Printing system, 10...Local area network, 20...Image forming apparatus, 30...Access point, 40...Smartphone, 205A, 205C...Print function permission list, 205B, 205E...Print setting file, 205D...Default print setting list, 221... Scan reception unit, 222, 222A... QR code decoding unit, 223, 223A... Authority determination unit, 224, 224A... Judgment result notification unit, 225... Default print setting list reading unit, 226... List decoding unit, 421... Connection 422...IP address acquisition unit, 423...MAC address acquisition unit, 424...QR code generation unit, 425...QR code display control unit, 426...Communication control unit

Claims (9)

reading means for reading, from the two-dimensional symbol, the address on the network of the terminal to be communicated with, and information used to manage the authority to use a specific function among the functions provided by the own device;
and transmitting means for transmitting information for displaying a screen according to authority to the terminal to which an address on the network is assigned,
The information used to manage the authority to use a specific function is information that physically uniquely identifies the terminal;
Information processing device. According to claim 1, when the terminal serving as the communication destination or the user operating the terminal does not have authority to use the function, the transmitting means transmits information for displaying a screen indicating that the terminal does not have authority. information processing equipment. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein, if the terminal to be the communication destination or the user operating the terminal has authority to use a function, the transmission means transmits information for displaying a screen for using the function for which the authority is granted. The information processing device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the information used for managing authority is information that physically identifies the terminal. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information used for authority management is information that specifies a user who operates the terminal. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein, if a user who operates the terminal that is the communication destination has authority to use the function, the transmission means transmits information that the user has set for the function. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the functions provided by the apparatus are a function of forming an image on paper and a function of reading a document, and the specific function is a function of forming an image on paper. to the computer,
A function for reading from a two-dimensional symbol the network address of a terminal to be communicated with, and information used to manage the authority to use a specific function among the functions provided by the own device;
A program that causes the terminal to which an address on the network is assigned to transmit information for displaying a screen according to authority ;
The information used to manage authority to use a specific function is information that physically uniquely identifies the terminal . A computer installed in a portable terminal,
When receiving an instruction to generate a two-dimensional symbol used for connection with an image forming apparatus that is the communication partner, the terminal's network address and the functions provided by the image forming apparatus that is the communication partner are sent. a function of generating a two-dimensional symbol containing information predetermined as information used to manage authority to use a specific function;
A function to display the generated two-dimensional symbol on the display means of the own terminal,
It is a program that executes
The information used to manage authority to use a specific function is information that physically uniquely identifies the terminal .